Blog

The NCAA Women’s College Basketball Tournament is officially set to begin, with the South Carolina Gamecocks looking to defend their title. On the eve of the tournament, one of the Gamecocks’ key players, MiLaysia Fulwiley, is receiving a major endorsement from an NBA icon.

South Carolina is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the 2025 championship, and it’s clear why when you take a look at their roster. The Gamecocks are powered by Fulwiley, who has been a game-changer coming off the bench. Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, as NBA legend Steph Curry recently showed his support for the rising star.

Ahead of the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, Curry was photographed arriving at the stadium wearing a MiLaysia Fulwiley t-shirt. SportsCenter shared the image on X, captioning it: “The chef knows who’s about to be cooking up some madness 🔥 Steph Curry pulled up to the Warriors game reppin’ MiLaysia Fulwiley 😮‍💨.”

In case you missed it, Fulwiley recently signed with Curry Brand, the signature line by Curry’s Under Armour partnership. Fulwiley made history as the first collegiate athlete to sign an NIL deal with the Curry Brand, and Curry spoke highly of her commitment and potential.

“She believes in what we’re doing… and obviously in South Carolina doing amazing things, winning a championship in her freshman year. And trying to continue to get better, and keep pushing the envelope on what she can accomplish in her career,” Curry remarked.

He added, “As you build out your roster, you want to have just good people that truly understand, one, they want to be great on the court, two, they stand for something, represent something off the court, and always looking for ways to impact the community. And she checks all those boxes.”

As the Gamecocks prepare for their opening-round matchup against Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles today at 4:00 pm ET, Fulwiley’s presence and support from Curry highlight the star power on this team.

For more updates, follow the USCTalk community on Twitter and YouTube for comprehensive coverage of South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament journey!

In a major recruiting win for South Carolina, the Gamecocks have secured the top 2026 offensive lineman from the Palmetto State.

On Friday morning, at a ceremony inside Carvers Bay High School, four-star offensive lineman Zyon Guiles announced his commitment to South Carolina. This marks the Gamecocks’ sixth pledge for the 2026 class and their second offensive lineman, following Anthony Baxter from South Pointe High School.

This announcement comes just two weeks after Guiles revealed his top seven schools, which included Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. At the ceremony, he had the hats of each of his final schools laid out on the table.

“I will be taking my academic and athletic talents to South Carolina,” Guiles stated as he picked up the Gamecocks’ hat, confirming his decision.

Interestingly, both South Carolina and Clemson extended offers to Guiles on the same day, June 5, which initially led many to believe he would visit both schools. In February, Guiles announced plans to visit a handful of schools over the spring and summer, but he ultimately decided to commit to Shane Beamer’s program before even taking any official visits.

Guiles is ranked as a top-160 national prospect and among the top-15 offensive tackles in the country. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound prospect from Georgetown is now another key addition to what is shaping up to be an impressive in-state recruiting class for South Carolina.

According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, the Gamecocks have already secured commitments from the No. 1 player in the state (J’Zavien Currence), the No. 3 player (Guiles), and the No. 5 player (Jamel House). Additionally, the father of the No. 4 player, Julian Walker of Dutch Fork High (who remains uncommitted), works for the USC football team.

Here’s a look at South Carolina’s 2026 football commitments so far:

• Anthony Baxter (OL) — Committed on May 5
• Keenan Britt (DE) — Committed on Aug. 5
• Jamel Howse (TE) — Committed on Oct. 5
• J’zavien Currence (DB) — Committed on Oct. 17
• Peyton Dyer (DB) — Committed on Nov. 4
• Zyon Guiles (OL) — Committed on March 20, 2025

COLUMBIA – It was a moment of instinct, not strategy. As Khadijah Sessions saw Maegan Conwright getting double-teamed, Sessions positioned herself as the trailer on the play. When Conwright tried a behind-the-back dribble, Sessions swiftly intercepted the ball, dribbling upcourt. Her only goal was simple—get to the basket, score, and get back on defense.

However, the game was already decided by the time her shot went in. With the clock winding down, the game was in hand, and Sessions’ layup secured an 80-74 win over Florida State. The celebration erupted, not in the final seconds, but in a moment that marked the culmination of South Carolina’s long journey toward their 2015 Final Four appearance.

“It was like we had just won the national championship,” Sessions said, reflecting on the moment a decade later in her second year as an assistant coach at USC. “We just knew we were going to win it that year. We had such a talented roster, and the team was ready to take that step.”

In 2015, the Gamecocks had their first taste of Final Four glory under Coach Dawn Staley. After seven years of steady growth, recruiting, and culture-building—starting with only 10 wins in Staley’s first season—the Gamecocks broke through to the Final Four. It wasn’t the ending fans had hoped for that year, but Staley would lead them to national titles in subsequent years. Now, as South Carolina’s current team pushes for another national championship, they return to Tampa, the same city where that breakthrough happened ten years ago.

The Dream Team Arrives: After a 29-win season in 2013-14, including their first SEC regular-season title, the Gamecocks faced a bitter Sweet 16 loss to North Carolina. But the season’s disappointment fueled their hunger for success.

“We thought the sky was the limit,” said Aleighsa Welch, a core player for the Gamecocks. “We brought back a great team and had an incredible freshman class coming in.”

Returning key players like two-time SEC Player of the Year Tiffany Mitchell, Welch, Khadijah Sessions, Asia Dozier, Elem Ibiam, and Alaina Coates, Staley also added a standout recruiting class that included Bianca Cuevas-Moore, Doniyah Cliney, Kaydra Duckett, and Jatarie White. But the biggest splash came when South Carolina secured A’ja Wilson, the nation’s top recruit, who chose to stay home and play for Staley.

“A’ja was the missing piece,” said Staley. “She was that player who could elevate us to the next level.”

Wilson’s commitment was a game-changer for the program. Tiffany Mitchell and her teammates knew that adding Wilson would propel the team into serious contention for the national title.

“We knew if we got her, we were a real contender,” Sessions added. “We were all watching when she made her decision. It was a huge moment for us.”

A Loaded Roster and Unstoppable Talent: When A’ja Wilson joined the squad as a freshman, she was a dynamic force. Even as a newcomer, her potential was clear. Tina Roy, known for her 3-point shooting, reflected on the team’s excitement.

“We knew we had something special,” said Roy. “We had A’ja, and she was unstoppable. I even wrote a team song for that season, inspired by her. The team was ready to show the world we were on a mission.”

South Carolina’s depth was evident. With Wilson, Coates, and the rest of the squad, Staley’s team was more than a threat. USC quickly climbed to No. 1 in the rankings after UConn lost early in the season.

Even with Wilson’s incredible talent, Staley made the decision to bring her off the bench, a move that transformed the team. “It allowed us to play our normal roles,” Staley explained, highlighting how the Gamecocks’ bench became a secret weapon.

With a 22-0 start to the season, South Carolina was rolling. Key moments included a thrilling comeback against Duke, where Olivia Gaines made a clutch steal, leading to Mitchell’s near game-winner, which was followed by Wilson’s decisive putback.

Setbacks and Strengths: Despite their undefeated run, the Gamecocks faced a tough reality check with an 87-62 loss to UConn in February. But rather than break the team’s spirit, the loss reinforced the Gamecocks’ resolve. “We knew we had to keep improving if we were going to compete with the best,” said Sessions.

South Carolina finished strong, losing only one more regular-season game. Their dominance carried them through the SEC Tournament, clinching their first title under Staley.

A Historic NCAA Tournament Run The Gamecocks entered the NCAA Tournament ready to prove themselves. Their road to the Final Four included impressive victories over Savannah State and Syracuse. In the Sweet 16, a rematch with North Carolina proved to be one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. After a clutch shot by Olivia Gaines, Mitchell sealed the win with a last-minute layup.

The Gamecocks faced Florida State next, and despite a brief scare, Mitchell’s clutch performance helped South Carolina secure the win and punch their ticket to the Final Four.

“When we finally made it, it was like all the hard work and sacrifice paid off,” said Tina Roy. “This was everything we had worked for.”

The Final Four and Beyond: The Gamecocks’ Final Four run ended in heartbreaking fashion, losing by a single point to Notre Dame in a game that still stings for those who were there. “It’s the only game I’ve never watched again,” said Sessions. The Gamecocks led in the final minutes, but a series of unfortunate events, including a buzzer-beater from Madison Cable, sealed their fate.

Despite the painful loss, the 2015 season was a milestone for the Gamecocks. “It was the start of something special,” Staley reflected. “We learned a lot from that loss, and it pushed us to get better.”

The Gamecocks would go on to win their first national title in 2017, and since then, they’ve become a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball. As South Carolina enters this year’s tournament as a top contender, there’s a sense of unfinished business.

“The Final Four in Tampa is where it all started,” Staley said. “We’re looking to finish what that team started, and we’re ready to do it again.”

With A’ja Wilson’s legacy in mind, South Carolina is aiming for another championship run—and the path to glory continues to evolve, built on the foundation laid a decade ago.

Live from the heart of March Madness, as the tournament heats up, all eyes are on the fierce competition in the region where Duke is set to face Lehigh in the first round. But the real buzz is around the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks, who are the team to beat in the region, as they aim for another shot at the championship.

For the fourth consecutive year, South Carolina enters the tournament as the top seed, led by legendary head coach Dawn Staley. With a 27-3 regular-season record, the Gamecocks have already proven themselves, but they truly found their stride during the SEC Tournament, where they dominated with an average margin of victory of 19.3 points. South Carolina’s wins over Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and No. 1 seed Texas show they are peaking at the perfect time.

While Kamilla Cardoso, the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, has departed for the WNBA, the Gamecocks remain loaded with talent. Joyce Edwards, an All-SEC forward, leads the offense with 13.2 points per game, supported by fellow all-conference players MiLaysia Fulwiley and Te-Hina Paopao. But it’s South Carolina’s defense that stands out, with Sania Feagin and Raven Johnson, both SEC All-Defensive players, anchoring a defense that allows just 57.8 points per game, the fifth-best mark in Power 5 women’s basketball.

Despite not being the tournament’s overall No. 1 seed for the first time since 2021, the Gamecocks remain the favorites to win it all. Their journey to a fourth national title will begin with a tough matchup against Tennessee Tech.

But South Carolina is not the only team with title hopes in this region. The No. 2 seed, Duke, has had a remarkable run of its own, highlighted by an impressive ACC Tournament victory under head coach Kara Lawson. The Blue Devils secured their first ACC Tournament title since 2013, with wins over Notre Dame and N.C. State. While Duke’s offense has been inconsistent at times, especially in the halfcourt, they will rely heavily on their defensive prowess as they look to take on South Carolina. Freshman forward Toby Fournier leads the Blue Devils in scoring, with veterans Ashlon Jackson and Reigan Richardson offering valuable experience.

Meanwhile, North Carolina enters as the No. 3 seed, hoping to make a deep run despite a rough finish to their regular season. A potential third showdown with Duke could be on the horizon if both teams advance, providing yet another high-stakes rivalry game in the region.

In addition to these heavyweights, we have teams like No. 6-seed West Virginia and No. 8-seed Utah, who are looking to make noise in the tournament. West Virginia has been powered by senior JJ Quinerly’s offensive production, while Gianna Kneepkens leads the charge for Utah, making these teams dangerous underdogs in March Madness.

Maryland, the No. 4 seed, also looks poised to make a run after a strong start to the season. However, the Terrapins have been inconsistent, losing a few games to top-ranked teams, and they will need to recapture their early-season form if they are to threaten for the region title.

But the potential Cinderella story could come from Vanderbilt, the No. 7 seed. While it’s not typical for a team from this seed to make a deep run, Vanderbilt has an ace in the form of freshman Mikayla Blakes. Averaging 23.2 points per game and recently setting the Division I freshman record for most points in a game with 55 against Auburn, Blakes has been nearly unstoppable. While Vanderbilt still has a lot to prove, if Blakes continues her stellar play, the Commodores could challenge anyone in this region.

As we look ahead to what’s shaping up to be an exciting tournament, one thing is clear: South Carolina is the team to beat. With their quest for a fifth-straight Final Four appearance and third championship in that span, Dawn Staley has built a dynasty. While other teams in the region pose a threat, nothing would be more shocking than South Carolina not making it out of this region.

The tournament is set, and the stage is set for some thrilling matchups. Stay tuned as the madness unfolds!

Live from the court, the tension is palpable as the teams prepare for a thrilling Friday matchup. South Carolina, led by Coach Dawn Staley, is ready for a challenge against a red-hot Tennessee Tech team. The Golden Eagles come into this game riding a 17-game win streak, their latest triumph coming in the OVC Tournament championship. Despite their momentum, Staley insists South Carolina’s preparation will remain unchanged, whether they’re facing Tennessee Tech or powerhouse teams like Texas.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Staley shared with determination. “Very good Tennessee Tech team that’s hot; 17-game win streak is a lot. So they got some momentum coming in. We got some momentum coming in. I just hope our habits are displayed and executed much longer than theirs.”

South Carolina holds a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series against Tennessee Tech, although the Golden Eagles handed the Gamecocks a shocking defeat back in 1998 during the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee Tech stunned South Carolina with a 77-73 win as a No. 11 seed over No. 6 seed South Carolina. Both coaches laughed when recalling that history, but they’re focusing on the present.

For Tennessee Tech, the challenge of playing against South Carolina in front of a passionate home crowd isn’t lost on them. Coach Carter acknowledged the significance of the moment and their preparation for the electrifying atmosphere.

“We’re the 16 seed coming in and playing the one, so we understand what that is just in itself,” Carter said. “…This is going to be awesome. We practiced all week with crowd noises in practice, so we’re trying to prepare for that. This is going to be a great test for us. We’re such a connected team on the court anyway. So this will be awesome for us to just stick together, huddle, eye contact, everything. It’ll be big, but we’re excited for it.”

A key part of Tennessee Tech’s mental preparation for South Carolina is taking inspiration from The Obstacle is the Way, a book that the team is currently reading. Rosamond, a key player, explained the importance of breaking down the game into manageable parts.

“You learn to break it down in parts and that’s what we’ve got to do,” Rosamond emphasized. “We can’t look at it as a 40-minute assignment. We understand that it is, but we’ve got to break it down into eight, five-minute segments and focus on those first five minutes.”

Looking for advice ahead of the game, Rosamond reached out to Bobby Wilder, the head football coach at Tennessee Tech, who previously led Old Dominion to a shocking upset over Virginia Tech in 2018. Wilder compared the upset to surviving a heavyweight fight—an analogy Rosamond now applies to Friday’s game.

“You hang in and you try in those first couple rounds, you don’t get knocked out,” Rosamond said, channeling Wilder’s advice. “You got to avoid getting knocked out in those first couple rounds. I have full confidence that our kids are going to come in and they’ve not backed down from a challenge all year. We understand who they are, but we also understand who we are and we can’t forget that. We talked about that this morning, we can’t walk in here and let the crowd make us forget who we are. Let South Carolina, and their talent, and how good they are make us forget who we are.”

The energy is high as both teams get set to square off, with Tennessee Tech aiming to maintain their incredible streak and South Carolina looking to assert their dominance on home turf. This is shaping up to be an unforgettable battle.

As the 2025 Women’s March Madness tournament kicks off, the stage is set for an intense battle for the title. The top four teams—each earning a No. 1 seed in their respective regions—are poised for a deep run, with last year’s champions, South Carolina, and 2023 victors LSU leading the charge. Also in the mix are Texas, aiming for its second NCAA title, and UCLA, hoping to break through to the Final Four for the first time in school history. Let’s break down what each team has shown during the regular season.

Breaking Down the Top Four Teams in Women’s March Madness

No. 1 UCLA – (1) Spokane Regional 1
With a stellar 30-2 record and a 16-2 mark in the Big Ten, UCLA (1) secures the overall No. 1 seed. The Bruins have been dominant this season, suffering just two losses—both to Southern California. However, UCLA avenged these defeats by taking down USC and clinching the Big Ten title, which earned them an automatic bid to the tournament. The Bruins also knocked off another top contender, South Carolina, fueling their Final Four hopes.

In the tournament’s opening round, UCLA will face the winner of the play-in game between UC San Diego and Southern on Friday, March 21, at Pauley Pavilion. The game will be broadcast live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 2 South Carolina – (1) Birmingham Regional 2
The reigning champions, South Carolina (30-3, 15-1 SEC), are ready to defend their crown. Despite a loss to UCLA, head coach Dawn Staley feels her team’s strength of schedule should have earned them the overall top seed. The Gamecocks had a dramatic run, defeating Texas in their first meeting before falling to them in the second, only to bounce back and capture the SEC tournament title. Their only other loss came at the hands of UConn, the No. 5 seed overall.

In their first round, South Carolina will take on (16) Tennessee Tech on Friday, March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The game will be aired at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 3 Texas – (1) Birmingham Regional 3
Texas (31-3, 15-1 SEC) has had a standout season. Their only two losses were to South Carolina, with another defeat coming from Notre Dame—a tough opponent. Notre Dame, seeded No. 9 overall, also made a major impact on the regular season, and there’s potential for a thrilling rematch between Texas and the Fighting Irish soon.

In the tournament’s first round, Texas will face the winner of the play-in game between High Point and William & Mary on Saturday, March 22, at the Moody Center. Tune in at 9:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2 for the broadcast.

No. 4 Southern California – (1) Spokane Regional 4
Southern California (28-3, 16-1 Big Ten) is back in contention and ready for a deep run. The Trojans’ only two losses this season were to Notre Dame and Iowa, with a notable regular season victory over UCLA. However, their efforts fell short in the Big Ten title game against UCLA, highlighting the fierce competition among the top teams.

In the first round, Southern California will meet (16) UNC Greensboro on Saturday, March 22, at the Galen Center. The game will be broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Women’s March Madness tournament promises to be filled with drama, with these top teams all hungry for the ultimate prize. Make sure to tune in for all the action as the competition heats up!

After a standout season, South Carolina Gamecocks saw 11 of their players invited to the NFL Combine. However, like many schools, not all deserving players received the call. One of the Gamecocks left off the list was linebacker Debo Jones. Despite being part of an elite defensive unit, which featured talents like Dylan Stewart and Nick Emannwori, Jones went unnoticed. But he wasn’t deterred by the snub—he showed up to the facility determined to prove he was worthy of being drafted.

During his time at the Combine, Williams showcased his impressive athleticism, running a 4.78 40-yard dash, completing a 4.44 shuttle run, and leaping a 9-foot-4 broad jump. However, his most jaw-dropping moment came during the bench press. Williams displayed elite strength, benching 225 pounds 32 times, a mark that led all his teammates and turned heads among NFL scouts. His performance showed the power and toughness needed for a linebacker who can shed blocks and make critical tackles.

When asked about being left off the invite list, Williams, a Delaware native, made it clear that the snub didn’t faze him. He was ready to compete and make a name for himself. “I’m always going to come and compete… It’s always a blessing to do what you love, man. We come out here and compete and just get better every single time we’re out here. It’s a blessing to be able to go to the next level and get ready for that,” Williams said, clearly focused on the opportunity ahead.

The NFL values competitiveness, and after his standout seasons at South Carolina and a strong showing at the Pro Day, Williams has shown that he is always ready to compete at the highest level. Regardless of whether he’s drafted, Williams is content knowing that he did everything possible to prove he belongs in the league.

In the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, it’s South Carolina taking on Tennessee Tech. As March Madness kicks off, we’ve got expert predictions, betting odds, and game-time details to keep you informed.

Please remember, gambling carries risk, and it’s important to only wager what you can afford to lose. While we strive to provide accurate advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any potential losses related to gambling. We make every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct, but occasional mistakes may occur. Always double-check stats or details if you’re uncertain about their accuracy. There are no guarantees of success or financial gain, and betting odds can change quickly. All forms of betting involve financial risk, so it’s up to you to make decisions with or without the information shared here. Past performance does not ensure future results.

Please note that Gannett may earn revenue from referrals to sports betting services. These operators have no influence on our news coverage or content, and any such revenue is not linked to our editorial decisions. For terms and conditions, please check the operator’s site. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available 24/7 through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Remember, you must be 21 or older to gamble, and sports betting laws vary by location, so always comply with local regulations.

More news…..

March Madness brings the same benefits to South Carolina and Columbia, including fresh funding for women.

This Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the tournament is undeniable as fans eagerly await the big game on Thursday night. It’s set to be a major event, and the anticipation is building.

The journey to this point has been exhilarating, and now, with a paycheck in sight, there’s a sense of fulfillment.

Page shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, saying, “We’ve been enjoying the whole season.” She went on to emphasize the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s great we can make money for the school now.”

Patterson, who has played for the Virginia Cavaliers, Stanford Cardinal, and is now with the UNCG Spartans, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, remarking, “It’s great for women’s basketball.”

The Associated Press, in collaboration with Pivotal Ventures, continues to highlight the role of women in both the workforce and state government. AP is solely responsible for all the content it produces. For further details on their partnerships with philanthropies and a full list of supporters, visit AP.org.

For live updates on the tournament, you can stay informed with AP March Madness: AP March Madness and get alerts on the AP Top 25 throughout the season.

During South Carolina’s spring practice, Nyck Harbor, the Gamecocks’ talented tight end, addressed the media and revealed a shift in his offseason focus as he prepares for the 2025-2026 college football season.

Since joining South Carolina as part of the 2023 recruiting class, Harbor has been a standout two-sport athlete. Not only has he showcased his skills on the football field as a pass-catching tight end, but his performance in track has been equally impressive, even earning an invitation to the Olympic trials.

Last offseason, Harbor ran the 200m dash in a remarkable 20.20 seconds, putting him on track to compete in the Paris Olympic trials. However, shortly after that performance, Harbor announced that he would not attend the trials, opting instead to dedicate his focus to the 2024 football season. With track season overlapping with spring football practice, Harbor made it clear that his attention would be on football heading into 2025.

“My track for this year is done,” Harbor stated.

In January, Shane Beamer, Harbor’s head coach, echoed these sentiments, explaining that the decision was ultimately Harbor’s. “He is solely focusing on football right now. And that was Nyck’s decision. That was something that he talked to us about. I think he realized that though he did a lot of really good things in track last year, missing spring practice… I don’t want to say, set him back, but it was more of a challenge to be ready for the season,” Coach Beamer said.

Harbor had a breakout season in 2024, achieving the best year of his young career at South Carolina. He appeared in 13 games, starting in eight, and posted career highs in yards (376), touchdowns (3), and yards per game (29.8). By narrowing his focus on football, Harbor aims to tap into the full potential of his five-star status from the 2023 recruiting class, and his decision to fully commit to football in 2025 could help him reach new heights.

More news….

Possible defensive starter absent on South Carolina’s first day of spring practice

South Carolina football kicked off its spring practice on Wednesday morning, but there was a notable absence on the field. Defensive back Vicari Swain was not participating in practice, according to a USC spokesperson. The spokesperson clarified that while Swain is still with the team, he is currently addressing an academic issue.

Despite this setback, if Swain resolves the matter soon, he could still play a significant role on the Gamecocks’ defense. Although he wasn’t expected to start in 2024, the former 4-star recruit proved valuable last season, rotating in behind starters O’Donnell Fortune and Judge Collier. With Fortune aiming for the 2025 NFL Draft, Swain was one of the frontrunners to step into a starting role alongside Collier.

Swain had a solid redshirt freshman campaign in 2024, appearing in all 13 games. He racked up 13 total tackles, including a strip sack against Kentucky, and even knocked away a pass. Swain played 314 snaps, the sixth-most among South Carolina’s secondary players, solidifying his position as the team’s top backup in the defensive backfield. Given that the Gamecocks often deploy five defensive backs, Swain was a key contributor, coming in as a reliable reserve.

Looking ahead, regardless of Swain’s status, South Carolina’s secondary will see some changes this fall. With Fortune and safety Nick Emmanwori heading to the NFL, two starting spots are now up for grabs. Judge Collier (cornerback), DQ Smith (safety), and Jalon Kilgore (nickel/safety) are expected to start, but the competition for the remaining spots will be fierce throughout the spring and summer. For more on these battles, GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell has the inside scoop, breaking down the competition here.